Land crossing along the India-Myanmar border through the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur was opened in August 2018. And if all goes according to plan, then the long-promised bus service between Manipur and Mandalay will become operational from April this year.

According to recent media reports, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who also handles the transport department, has said that the bus service between the two countries is likely to begin in April this year. Apparently, while the first bus from Mandalay will leave on April 7, the first bus from Imphal will leave on April 8. Mandalay-based Shwe Mandalar Express will handle the service on the Myanmar stretch while Imphal-based Seven Sister Holidays will handle the Indian stretch. The border crossing will take place through Tamu (Myanmar)-Moreh (India) towns and the entire journey is expected to be completed in 14 to 16 hours. However, the exact time will depend on the road conditions and the time taken at the immigration offices on both sides of the border.

The Myanmar Times quoted an official of Shwe Mandalar Express Company as saying that a 27-seater luxury bus will be used for the inaugural run.

A former royal capital, Mandalay is the second largest city of the country. It was country&rsquos capital prior to the British annexation of Burma (the former name of Myanmar). Located on the Irrawaddy River, it is known for its monasteries and palaces. The city has also found various mentions in literary compositions. The popular tourist attraction of Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the Mandalay region.